Lady's Mantle
alchemilla acutiloba
Also known as: ["Lady's Mantle","Alchemilla vulgaris"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant known for its unique foliage and small, yellow flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Alchemilla |
| Botanical Name: | Alchemilla acutiloba |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed in partial shade, protected from intense afternoon sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done every 4–6 weeks; major pruning in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in dappled light outdoors or near an east-facing window indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Avoid harsh afternoon sun; rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid letting the soil dry out completely, and reduce watering in winter.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not compacted; use a mix that retains moisture but drains well; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); thrives in cooler climates and may struggle in heat.
Keep away from drafts; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from extreme heat/cold.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding in winter to allow dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F or 18–24°C).
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; moist peat for division.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to speed up root development.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 3–6 weeks; division can establish in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity to prevent drying out; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; trim leggy stems to promote compact growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or damaged foliage.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruners or scissors, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune dead/damaged growth, shape the plant, remove spent flowers.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot; beneficial for rejuvenation and fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare fresh soil, handle roots carefully, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution without saturating the foliage; allow excess water to drain away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring/summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall/winter.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility and structure.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or dormancy in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may enter dormancy; prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage roots and foliage.
Solution: Protect from frost with mulch or move to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may become stunted due to heat stress.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water more frequently to keep soil cool.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAlchemilla acutiloba is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines after ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicAlchemilla acutiloba is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported cases of adverse effects following ingestion by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicAlchemilla acutiloba is not known to exhibit toxic properties when ingested by humans. It has not been documented to cause adverse physiological effects.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Alchemilla acutiloba toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does Lady's Mantle require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade and can tolerate shade.
Q: What are the uses of Lady's Mantle?
A: It is used in traditional medicine and as an ornamental plant.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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